Chapter 266
While writing, Freesia glanced sideways at Izar, anxious.
They were supposed to act like a loving couple in front of Nova, but what if he made it obvious that he was upset?
“…Are you angry?”
“…No.”
Izar answered as he adjusted the child in his arms. It wasn’t exactly anger, it was more of a dull ache inside. So technically, it wasn’t a lie.
“It’s probably better if you leave me nothing at all.”
“……”
Freesia watched his expression carefully. Even if his face seemed indifferent, the corners of his mouth and the look in his eyes betrayed how displeased he was.
Eventually, after Nova fell asleep in his arms, the three quietly returned to the palace.
From morning until evening, the three spent time together, but they still slept separately.
.
.
However, that night—
Before they parted, Freesia quietly approached Izar.
In her hand was a bundle of thick letters, neatly tied with a light green ribbon.
“What’s this…?”
“The letters I mentioned earlier. For Nova. I’ll give them to you so she doesn’t lose them.”
Freesia handed the bundle of letters to Izar and lowered her eyes.
“Please keep them safe… Don’t read them ahead of time. I wrote one for each of Nova’s ages.”
“I understand.”
“And when she’s old enough, let her read them on her own.”
Izar silently nodded at her words.
But once he returned to his room, he tore open the seal without hesitation.
He couldn’t deny that it was childish and a bit petty, but a touch of spite had risen in him.
‘Wax seals can always be resealed later.’
How would anyone know if it was actually his daughter who opened them first and then sealed them again?
And besides, didn’t he have every right to read what his wife had written?
The first letter was for Nova’s fourth birthday.
[To my beloved Nova, the daughter who is the star of my life.]
The letter was full of detail.
What Freesia hoped Nova would experience, the behaviors she hoped she would avoid, her careful thought was written into every line.
[I imagine that you must be very loved as a young lady of the ducal estate, right, my daughter? I can’t wait to see how you’ve grown, Nova. You love fairy tales, so maybe you’ll want to attend the academy someday.
If you do, would you ask your father to take you there? That’s where I first met your uncle.
Later, ask your father to teach you falconry. He once said he’d teach me too, but the timing didn’t work out… I hope you enjoy the hunting festival and make lots of friends there.
…And if, while growing up, you find there are no wild rose bushes at the estate, would you plant some? If your father dislikes the idea, feel free to show him this letter.
When your coming-of-age ceremony arrives, what should we prepare for you? I’m sorry, I barely had one myself, so I’m not sure what to suggest… But I hope your uncle and father make it a grand occasion.
That day, I hope you shine as the center of all happiness. You’re already a bright and radiant girl, but I know you’ll be even more beautiful on that day.
Because you were born as the most beautiful child I could ever imagine.
What I’ve left behind for you may not be much, but if it matches your dress that day, I’d be happy if you wore it. Even if my body can’t be with you, my heart will always remain.
Nova, I don’t know if you’ll remember this when you’re grown… Do you remember the days your father came to stay with us?
You kept calling him ‘that’ instead of ‘Papa’, and it caused so much trouble. You wouldn’t believe how sad he looked every time. Your father already loved you so much.
Please remember. He rode a black horse and worked so hard to find you.
Back then, we were all happy together. I never told your father, because I was too embarrassed and sorry, but… the truth is, I was glad he came to find me and you.
They were the happiest days of my life. I hope they are remembered that way for you, too.
And one day, if you marry… I hope you have many happy moments with a man who cherishes you just as much…]
Izar bowed his head over the letter, as if the pain were a noose tightening around his throat.
It hurt so much he could hardly breathe.
“…Damn it.”
Freesia always wore a serene face, even while facing death.
But why hadn’t he asked her more questions while they were still together?
Even if he’d been afraid she might harm herself, couldn’t he have thought harder about what he could do for her?
‘I should have taken her with me by force, even if she showed she hated it.’
Why hadn’t he shown her that the world still held so many wonders?
‘We need to talk.’
It was fine to focus on making good memories for Nova.
But Freesia was doing that while once again pushing her own feelings aside, sacrificing the little time she had left.
‘That’s not right.’
Until now, he had treated the nights like an unspoken boundary, not seeing her alone.
But tonight, he had to cross that line, even if she got angry.
The guards and attendants were stationed outside the bedroom, but when they saw his expression, no one dared stop him.
“Freesia.”
But the moment he stepped inside, Izar froze from head to toe.
Freesia was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees, trembling like a frightened child.
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